I have yet to do this trail but wanted to know if anyone could give any advice. I'm travelling with my 2 year son. Would this be okay for a BOB trail jogger or recommended Osprey Hiking backpack? Thanks

That was amazing view! Along the trail we felt like walking on the moon and then the view kept changing. Took hubby and me 5.5h to finish. We started from the top (2nd visitors center) and went down. Thank goodness we did as coming from the other side would have been much harder. Things I’d do different: start earlier in the day (very bad idea to do it at night!! Some parts have narrow trail with the cliff right down below), take more snacks, park at the bottom and hitchhiking to the top. Not for beginners hikers or for those who are afraid of heights!

This was definitely a unique experience!! Hiking into a crater was enjoyable, and the plants and birds in the crater were interesting to look at. The downside was the heat and sun- there is no shade so if it’s a sunny day, bring sunscreen!! We made the mistake of leaving it in the car and there were quite a few burns amongst the 6 in our group. Also, the hike out is tough. We were trying to make it to the top by sunset, which we did, but it was brutal. The sunset at the top was amazing, as we were above the clouds.

My dad dropped me off at the Upper Waiakoa Trail which connects to Mamane Trail near Polipoli Park. About 1.3 miles in, you get above the treeline and the view is stunning. The signage is really good and it's hard to miss the Skyline Trail Junction. If you choose to connect those trails, it's about a 3,500 foot gain in about 7 miles. The hike itself would be moderate, but with the loose rocks, wind blasting in your face from the tradewinds, and altitude, I would definitely classify it as difficult. Make sure you have some altitude tolerance before starting the hike. I had a hard time with the last 1,000 ft. All in all, it's an awesome hike.

Following a dirt road, mild incline. Not much shade, also, expect it to be colder up top.The views are nice. I'd say, go down in haleakala first, like sliding sand. If youve done all, maybe you can do this one.

This hike is surreal and very interesting, but if you’re doing this hike, be warned that hiking back up is going to be tough. Going down is fine, but a little rough on the knees, and you should really try to to a loop around to another trailhead instead of doing this all in one day. A VERY tough day hike, fine if you do it after camping and had the chance to rest!

Awesome trail. Long hike but worth. Scenery is absolutely amazing. Have multiple layers as temperature changes throughout the hike. No shade for a big chunk of it. Easy to follow trail. I highly recommend it.

This is a long trail with the first 3 miles being all decent. So those same last 3 miles are brutal. There is no shade so bring a hat or sunscreen. This hike takes you through half a dozen climate zones in the crater and around a few cinder cones. If you can do it, it’s definitely worth the long hike.

Worth the hike to see the redwood forest. Lots of trees down on the trail. I recommend having a trail map handy because parts of the trail are not easy to follow. Full shade so nice break from the sun.

This trail is a lovely gem tucked behind a campground. We stopped there on our way down from Haleakala, and were pleasantly surprised by this beautiful little walk through the fragrant woods where birds that we saw nowhere else abounded!

Amazing amazing trail! It’s hard to describe unless you’ve done it. As others have said, be sure to bring plenty of water as you’re in the sun and it gets hot fast. If you do an out and back, leave extra time for the climb back up. The views and silence in the crater are out of the world.

Amazing and unique hike, like you're on the moon, above and in the clouds, and a sense of vastness and otherworldliness. Winds got very strong second day. Conditions change quickly so bring warm layers and winter gear if your going to camp out. 2 day hike in, camp and hike out possible with sufficient fitness. Will need to hitchhike down to lower parking lot if you start there and end at the summit.